Page 34 of Overdosed: Her Dark Side
Unfortunately, most of the time, one only finds out about it in situations like this. Sometimes, they find out about it in the most drastic way possible.
Sadly, this world can be a cruel place. It’s hard to find people who genuinely care. Most only care about themselves. And I had the luck to meet all the wrong people. People driven by self-interest, and their ego, want to benefit from me. Too many times, I let people use me. Too many times, I put trust in the wrong people. But that was okay. I didn’t take it as my failure but a lesson, though a harsh one. I understood I should follow my heart and trust my intuition rather than the words of those around me. I’d realized that sadly, in most cases, people would tell all kinds of sweet lies to fool someone and gain their sympathy and trust. As harsh as it may sound, now I knew I could count only on myself and believe only in myself; that was how one became invincible.
I’m not claiming genuine friendship, love, or care don’t exist. They do, but it’s rare. Especially in the world we live in. So if a person is fortunate enough to come across this rarity, they should fight for it.
Now, my heart is telling me that Shane is worth fighting for.
“I’m sorry, Shane,” I began, my voice trembling. “I’m sorry I ran away with Hope. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I know now that I should have trusted you more.”
Shane’s gaze softened, and I found a hint of forgiveness blending with regret flickering in his eyes. “I understand. At least, I’m trying to,” his voice was barely above a whisper.
I looked down, my fingers nervously playing with the edge of my dress. “I was scared, Shane. Scared that even if you wouldn’t be capable of harming her, Hope would grow up with a father who didn’t love her like I did. I grew up feeling unloved, and I didn’t want that for our daughter. I wanted her to become a strong, independent woman, unlike myself.” I paused, my throat tight with emotions. “I didn’t want history to repeat itself. I know my apology won’t fix the damage done, but I did it for her. I believed... I was doing the right thing.”
Shane sighed, his hand gently caressing my cheek. “You should have trusted me, Melanie. I would never let our daughter feel unloved. I wanted to be there for both of you.”
I looked into Shane’s eyes, a tear escaping and trailing down my face. “I didn’t know, Shane. I thought I was protecting her.”
“Now I know. And I’m sorry too,” Shane admitted, his thumb wiping away my tears. “I should have been more open with you. I made mistakes too.”
“Do you think there’s a chance for us, Shane? Can we rebuild what’s left of our love?” My gaze darted between his, my heart thumping.
Shane hesitated for a moment, making my heart beat even harder. “I don’t want to glue back the pieces of what’s left.”
My stomach dropped, and a crushing regret washed over me.
“I want us to start fresh. Build something new, something better.” An alluring side smirk curled up his lips.
Shane’s lips met mine in a gentle kiss, and a ray of hope sparked up in my heart. It was a promise of a new beginning. A chance to rewrite our story.
I woke up to the rays of the morning sun sweeping on my face. This morning felt different. My heart fluttered with excitement as I thought about the evening I spent with Shane. It was as if a dormant joy had been rekindled within me. As if I had regained my reason to smile again.
With my chocolate hair hastily gathered into a messy bun and clad in comfortable sweatpants, I tried to navigate the morning chaos, including feeding Hope, which sometimes was such a challenge, making her hair, dressing her up, playing with her, and simply spending time with my precious daughter. Now that I had to share the custody with Shane, I wanted to cherish every second I spent with Hope. On the one hand, I was feeling regretful that I wouldn’t have her by my side all the time. On the other, I was happy my daughter would have her father around. I was glad history wouldn’t repeat itself, and Hope would have a bond with her dad, and that her dad would surround her with love and care—something I’d never had.
This morning, though, a contagious grin on my face refused to fade, fueled by the sweet messages from Shane that kept popping up on my phone, each text making my heart flutter.
From: Shane xx
Lunch together? I can send Wyatt to get you.
Sent 10:59 AM
To: Shane xx
I’ve something to deal with in the city. I’ll get there on my own xx
Read 11:02 AM
From: Shane xx
Okay. Can’t wait to steal a kiss from you.
Sent 11:03 AM
Grinning like a fool, I nibbled my lower lip. I tossed my phone aside and sprinted to get a quick shower.
I slipped into an alluring black dress, the fabric gracefully hugging my curves. The mirror reflected a woman who had just found a new sense of herself. I hadn’t mentioned it to Shane yet, but I signed up for therapy, and today was meant to be my first session. I was eager to fight for him but also for myself. I was building a new version of myself.
“It’s called an unloved daughter syndrome,” I heard after I briefly described my issues to a psychologist.
